When I first wandered
around the Borough Market in London, I was not
impressed.
Being the month of
December, perhaps only half the stalls were open, which should have been
expected. Even with the Christmas décor, I simply didn’t feel like I was in my
happy place as I usually am when I visit foodie markets. Should I blame that offset feeling
on London’s gray weather?
The saving grace was
visiting my favorite cheesemonger, Neal’s Yard Dairy, which has a
storefront nearby on Park Street. This place is a cheese lovers paradise filled
with specialty cheeses from the U.K. and Ireland! The U.S. restaurants I worked at used to buy some of the company’s cheeses, so that’s how I first was
introduced to Keen’s Cheddar, Lincolnshire and Stichelton. Every time we visit
London or a Londoner visits us, I stock up on my favorite English cheeses.
Fast forward seven months,
in July, I tagged along on one of my husband’s business trips to London. I
decided to repay Borough Market a second visit after talking to his London
colleague who was crestfallen that I didn’t love the market too!
This time, the market was
bustling with people, many tourists, of course. Simply put, Borough Market felt
more alive than my first visit.
I tried some so-so pad
Thai, but then I sampled some yummy Turkish delights from the friendly Turks.
The market features
cuisines and products from all over the world including: Croatia, India, Italy,
Spain and even American desserts.
The moist (nut-free)
chocolate brownie I bought was easily the best I’ve had outside the U.S. except
for my own, of course. I followed that sweet treat with a refreshing IPA beer
at the nearby Wheatsheaf.
I wandered by several
stalls selling fresh, seasonal produce.
The market had everything
that any foodie would love! So this time, I was very pleased!
I still cannot put my
finger on why I disliked the Borough Market so much on my first visit, but I’m
happy I gave it a second chance.
 |
| The nearby Wine Wharf looked like the perfect place to spend happy hour, especially when it's buy one glass, get one free from 4-7 p.m. |
Location:
Borough Market
8 Southwark Street, London
(A short walk from the London Bridge Underground stop.)
Website and map: http://www.boroughmarket.org.uk/
